We've heard some folks say that 'Branding is a nice-to-do' - as they think branding refers only to a company logo. They couldn't be more wrong!

Others say, 'you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover', but most people do just that. I don't know anyone who doesn't take a 'first impression' of every new person they meet. The same is true with a company's branding.

Essentially a brand is the personality or outward, symbolic impression that people have of your company, product or service - whatever it is you do! 

A brand is not just a logo, or the way you design your font, or the colour you use on your website. It consists of absolutely EVERYTHING you do OR don't do. It's inter alia:

• the way your sales people dress or answer the phone,
• whether or not your company cars are clean,
• how you and your staff communicate in your e-mails,
• whether or not you launch new products of have customised products that suit specific needs,
• the mission and vision statement that you hang in reception.

Overarching all of this, everything to do with the brand needs to be consistent with the image/impression you are trying to achieve. E.g. if you decide you're going to have a 'posh' brand, you can't pitch up to a customer wearing tatty jeans or post an invoice using a 2nd class stamp and you're absolutely not going to use dirt cheap packaging for your products.

And yes, it is important to get a professional designer to help you with things like:

• creating a logo,
• deciding on business colours,
• building a website,
• etc.

If you don't already have a local designer to help you, have a look at www.elance.com. This is a pool of very talented designers who charge very reasonable prices.

If you need any additional help, get in touch. If we can't help you, we will try to nput you in touch with someone who can.